Dice Drop Pod - Mechanical dice box

--Description
Overcomplicated? Probably.
Cool? Definitely.
The Dice Drop Pod is a mechanically operated dice box, capable of holding 42 dice across 6 drawbridge-like compartments.
This box was inspired by the (much more practical) 'Rollup Dice Box' by 3D-printy on thingiverse, and was made for an engineering class project.

--Work in Progress disclaimer
This model is currently a work in progress, there are refinements and features I wish to implement, but it may be a bit.
Current known issues:

  • Bins require a bit of manual help to reopen from fully closed
  • GearLock springs don't line up inside cap, and require glue to install
  • GearLock and Spool click annoyingly loud

--Assembly/notes
Assembly requires 3 things: Thread, a length of 1.75mm Filament, super glue (optional)
Tolerances are on the tighter side for this model, a well tuned printer or trimming parts may be required

  1. Line up 6 bins with hinges in the indents of base plate. Slide 1.75mm filament through all 6 holes to allow for rotation.
  2. Press non-slotted end of the core into the base plates indent.
  3. take 6 pieces of thread(~10in long), tie a knot on one end, and slot through holes in spool so that knots are inside the spool.
  4. lower spool and thread through CapLower so that the gear rests inside the cap and spool protrudes from bottom.
  5. Making sure holes in spool are aligned with slots in Core, press CapLower into place on Core, being careful not to pinch thread.
  6. With bins resting in flat open position, and keeping threads equally taut, tie thread through holes at end of bins.
  7. Once you are sure all threads are evenly taut and tied, trim any excess thread.
  8. (optional) glue 2-3 GearLock springs into corners of CapLower pressing against gear of spool.
  9. Snap CapUpper over CapLower, enclosing gear
  10. Insert Pin through hole in CapUpper and into spool, install crank on protruding pin.
  11. Pinch Knob and KnobPin together through hole in Crank.
  12. You're all set!